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Nature Center of Cape May Calendar of Events
 

1600 Delaware Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 898-8848
E-mail:
nccm@njaudubon.org

NCCM Information Page


PUBLIC VISITATION HOURS:
June, July, and August: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Open other times for special programs.
FREE ADMISSION AND FREE PARKING YEAR-ROUND
 


 

Spring Calendar of Events

Summer, 2009


FREE ADMISSION TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:

  • Observation deck and tower provide a panoramic view of the harbor and surrounding area.

  • The upstairs lounge provides an indoor harbor observation area and a place to relax, play games with friends, or read alone.

  • Birding from the deck on the second story of the welcome center provides the best viewing advantage for spotting birds in the harbor and around the meadow.

  • Aquaria with local marine life, natural history artifacts, and our busy songbird feeding station (seasonal).

  • Monthly exhibits in the Trucksess Welcome Center, featuring special art and natural history displays.

  • NJAS Nature Store, with the best in nature gifts, field guides, clothing, and children’s discovery items.

  • Children’s hands-on activities allow them to occupy their time while exploring nature.

  • Children’s Garden, full of fun, exploration, and sensory experiences.

  • Wildlife habitat meadows feature a Monarch milkweed and wildflower garden, a songbird grassland meadow, and a new nature trail and bridge crossing a meandering stream.

  • Theme gardens include butterfly, hummingbird, seaside, drought-tolerant, shade, and songbird gardens.

  • Beachcomb the harbor during low tide and search for shells and other interesting treasures.

  • Educational Resource Center is open by appointment, to peruse science and nature-related curriculum guides.

  • Picnic tables for an enjoyable lunch overlooking scenic Cape May Harbor.

  • Spectacular sunsets and magical twilight. Watch the changing colors of the sky from the Cape May Harbor waterfront.


PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Most programs require preregistration with payment. You may register by phone at 609.898.8848 with a credit card. We reserve the right to cancel programs, and refunds are available only if we cancel the event. Walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis. Become a member of NJAS and receive discounts in the gift shop and on many programs.

(An asterisk [*] denotes that the program takes place at a location other than the NCCM).

HARBOR FEST:
A Celebration of Sea and Song
Saturday, June 20

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join the Nature Center of Cape May and its community partners for our second annual “Harbor Fest,” celebrating the sea, its culture, and ecology. The festival will take place along the shores of Cape May Harbor, on Delaware Avenue, and on the nature center’s grounds. Fresh seafood, live music, seafood cooking demonstrations, and arts and craft vendors will fill the streets while marine educational programs, a blessing of the fleet, a kayak and canoe regatta, and much more will fill your day. For more information, contact the nature center at 609.898.8848.

Daytime Family Programs

SALT MARSH SAFARI*
Mondays, June 1 through August 31

10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Welcome aboard the Jersey Cape’s premier wildlife tour boat, the forty-foot Skimmer, and explore with us Cape May’s beautiful coastal wetlands and wildlife. Fun and educational for all ages! To preregister, call 609.884.3100.
*Boat leaves from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest.
Cost: $26 adults, $15 children.

CRABBING 101*
Tuesdays, June 23 through September 1

1:30 p.m.
Delicious and beautiful, blue crabs are abundant in saltwater bays and creeks. Come aboard the Skimmer, a comfortable forty-foot, flat-bottomed tour boat for a hands-on crabbing experience and demonstration. Learn methods for baiting lines and traps, the easiest methods of catching, and pinch-free ways to hold crabs. You can keep any legal size crab you catch! All equipment and materials are supplied. Preregister by calling the Skimmer at 609.884.3100.
*Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $28 adults, $17 children.

HARBOR SAFARI
Saturdays: June 6, 13
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
June 23 through September 3

10:30 a.m.
Encounter an incredible diversity of marine life as you pull a forty-foot seine net through the shallows of Cape May Harbor. You will learn about the lives of the animals that inhabit our coastal waters, including the fascinating Horseshoe Crab. A great family outing! Walk-ins welcome; no preregistration necessary.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-12, children under 3 free.

CYCLING THE SOUTHERN CAPE
Wednesdays, June 24 through August 26

9:30 a.m.
Hop on your bike, and join associate naturalists Fred Beyer and Phil Zimmerman for a leisurely twelve-mile tour of the most beautiful natural areas of Cape Island. Bring helmet, water, sunscreen, and bike. Call for list of local bike rental merchants. Please arrive by 9:20 a.m.; the tour leaves promptly at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is recommended.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.

THE BIRDS OF CAPE MAY:
A BIRD WALK FOR ALL PEOPLE
Thursdays: June 4 through August 27

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Not watching birds when you’re in Cape May is like not visiting the Grand Canyon when you’re in Arizona! Whether you are a seasoned birder or have never really thought about watching birds on purpose before, meet the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Don Freiday (or occasionally another Cape May expert) on the wildlife viewing platform, also known as the Hawkwatch, at Cape May Point State Park for a relaxed morning of birding. No binoculars? No problem – Don will have loaners and will show you how to use them if necessary. You’ll see at least twenty species of birds, or the walk is free! No preregistration necessary. Sponsored by Cape May Bird Observatory, 609.861.0700.
Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

BEACHCOMBING THE COVE*
Fridays, July 3 through September 4

8:30 a.m.
Explore one of the area’s ever-changing coastal habitats  –  the beach, ocean, and dunes of Cape May. We’ll search the shallows to see exactly what we’ve been swimming with, comb the shoreline for the sea’s treasures, and walk along the dunes in search of wildlife.
*Meet a nature center naturalist at the 2nd Street pavilion on the promenade on Beach Drive in Cape May.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12, children under 3 free.

FAMILY FARM DAYS
Fridays, July 17 and 31,
August 14 and 28

10:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning on the farm as we touch and feed the animals and learn all about farm life. Stops include the Bay Springs Alpaca Farm and Sea Horse Farm. Please meet promptly at 10:20 a.m. at Sea Horse Farm on Taylor Lane, right off of Seashore Road in Lower Twp. We will carpool to the Bay Springs Alpaca Farm about one-half mile away. Preregistration is required; call for directions.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS
Fridays, July 10, August 7

10:30 a.m.
From hawks and owls, to snakes and turtles – enjoy this opportunity to see and hold live, wild animals. Learn about the interesting lives of these wild creatures from Steve Serwatka, of New Jersey Nature, Inc, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured wild animals. Guaranteed to capture the interest of curious minds of all ages!
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.

THE A.J. MEERWALD OYSTER SCHOONER COMES TO CAPE MAY*
Daily during August

Come for a sail aboard the historic and authentically restored 1928 oyster schooner, the A.J. Meerwald – New Jersey’s Tall Ship. You can experience the past with presentations on history, ecology, and traditional maritime skills. *Sails from Utsch’s Marina in Cape May at 1121 Route 109, just north of the Lobster House at the base of the Cape May Canal Bridge. The ship cruises around the harbor, and, weather permitting, out the Cold Spring Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean. Reservations are required by calling 856.785.2060. Pick up a coupon at the Nature Center of Cape May or mention the nature center when making your reservation to receive a $5 discount. Part of the proceeds from your sail will benefit our education programs.
Cost: afternoon sails $30, evening sails $35, other prices for special sails; call for details.

SUMMER GARDEN PROGRAMS

SEASIDE SPLENDOR –
GARDENING BY THE SEA
Saturday, July 18

10:30 a.m.
Learn about the landscape techniques necessary for creating a successful coastal garden. Includes visits to local gardens and emphasizes use of native and drought-tolerant plants. Participants take home plans, plant lists, and resources. This program is for all who appreciate the natural beauty of the coast and the gorgeous gardens that can be found along our shores.
Limit 25.
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.
 
TOURS OF PRIVATE HUMMINGBIRD GARDENS
Saturday, August 15:
Southern Cape May County
Sunday, August 16:
Northern Cape May County

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At the peak of Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration, savor an array of diverse gardens that have hosted nesting hummingbirds since May. Learn the magic combination of native nectar plants, healthy insect populations, and adequate cover that makes a garden especially attractive to hummingbirds. Gardening naturalist and author, Pat Sutton, leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (north tour). Bring lunch, since the group will eat in one of the gardens. Before the tour, download, print, and bring (for ease of note taking) N.J. Audubon’s articles “How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden,” and the “Recommended Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, and Moths,” by Patricia Sutton.
Limit: 25 per tour.
Cost per tour: $25 members,
$35 nonmembers.

TOURS OF PRIVATE MONARCH GARDENS
Saturday, September 26:
Northern Cape May County
Sunday, September 27:
Southern Cape May County

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
More butterfly and hummingbird gardens are tucked into Cape May County than probably anywhere else in the country. Late September, the peak of the fall Monarch migration, is a magic time to savor an array of diverse gardens that have hosted Monarchs since May. Learn the magic combination of native nectar plants and caterpillar plants (five or more different kinds of milkweed) that makes a garden especially attractive to Monarchs and many other butterflies. Expect to see Monarch eggs, caterpillars, and maybe even a chrysalis. Gardening naturalist and author, Pat Sutton, leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (north tour). Bring lunch since the group will eat in one of the gardens. Before the tour, download, print, and bring (for ease of note taking) N.J. Audubon’s articles “How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden,” and the “Recommended Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, and Moths,” by Patricia Sutton.
Limit: 25 per tour.
Cost per tour: $25 members, $35 nonmembers.

WHAT’S YUM ABOUT BEACH PLUMS
Wednesday, August 26

10:30 a.m.
Explore the culinary delights of Prunus maritima, a native shrub of the northeastern coastal United States. Includes trip to Cape Island’s plum-dandy plum-picking spots, a recipe book, and sampling of all recipes. Wear comfortable shoes and attire for walking the back dunes of the Delaware Bay. Limit 25.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 kids 3-12; nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 kids 3-12; under 3 free.

KAYAK PROGRAMS

TIDAL MARSH TOUR BY KAYAK
Mid-June through September 6

Daily Tours at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Get ready for close encounters with nesting ospreys, herons, egrets, and beautiful salt marsh flora and fauna. Explore via kayak historic and scenic Cape May Harbor and some of Cape May County’s most beautiful and unspoiled salt marshes. No experience necessary! These tours are perfect for families looking to gain something meaningful while visiting the shore. All kayak tours are led by experienced Aqua Trails guides and naturalists. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, protective water shoes, and appropriate clothing for getting wet/ damp.
Cost: single kayak $46, double $80.

BELLEPLAIN/PINE BARRENS ECOLOGY KAYAK TOUR
Wednesdays,
June 24, July 29, and August 19
Saturdays,
September 26 and October 10
(fall foliage!)

This is a terrific opportunity to experience the serene beauty of one of Belleplain Forest’s beautiful lakes. The placid naturally tea-colored waters invite persons of all ages to enjoy a natural treasure. Be prepared for sightings of eagles, warblers, beavers, and rare carnivorous plants! Come and see why the United Nations has included the Pine Barrens of New Jersey as one of its International Biosphere Reserves. All equipment, instruction, guide services, water, and snacks are provided by the Aqua Trails staff. Tours meet at the NCCM, depart around 8:30 a.m., and return at approximately 2:00 p.m. Bring a lunch if snacks aren’t enough. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
Cost: single kayak $60, double $95.

COVE BEACH TO HIGBEE’S BEACH SUNSET KAYAK TOUR
Monday, July 6,
Meet 5:30 p.m. at NCCM
Wednesday, July 22,
Meet 5:30 p.m. at NCCM
Wednesday, August 19,
Meet 5:00 p.m. at NCCM
A new kayak tour designed for more adventurous paddlers. Enjoy the natural vistas of the Cove Beach in Cape May while paddling the gentle ocean swells around the point and into Delaware Bay. Once in the bay, we will paddle north along the Higbee Beach WMA where over 1,000 acres of maritime forest still grace the coastline. Skilled Aqua Trails Kayak guides will ensure a safe and memorable experience while seeking out dolphins, seabirds, and other fantastic marine life. See the historic Cape May lighthouse from a totally new perspective! All equipment, instruction, and guide services are provided. We also throw in a snack and bottle of water. Space is limited, so reserve ASAP!
Cost: single kayak $50, double $90.

SUNSET KAYAK TOURS
Mid-June through September
Tuesdays and Saturdays, times vary

The sunset kayak tour is the same as our Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak, with the added beauty of the setting sun over the marshes and Cape May Harbor. Get ready for close encounters with nesting ospreys, herons, egrets, and beautiful salt marsh flora and fauna. Explore the historic and scenic Cape May Harbor and some of Cape May County’s most beautiful and unspoiled salt marshes via kayak.
Cost: single kayak $46, double $80.

FULL MOON KAYAK TOURS
June 6 and 7
July 5, 6, and 7
August 4, 5, and 6
September 3 and 4
Times vary

The Full Moon Kayak Tour has become one of our most unique and special offerings, as well as our most popular kayak tour. This is the Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak with the extra magnetism of a crimson sunset over the horizon, the ascent of a full moon, and the rise of an exceptionally high tide. Call for times.
Cost: single kayak $46, double $80.

EVENING FAMILY TOURS

MARINE LIFE DISCOVERY CRUISE *
Mondays, June 22 through August 31

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Come aboard a voyage of discovery into the Cape’s greatest wilderness, the Atlantic coastal tidal marshes, aboard the forty-foot tour boat the Skimmer. Watch as a nature center naturalist pulls a trawl net through the water and then examine the wriggling catch. To make reservations, call the Skimmer at 609.884.3100. *Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: adults $26, children $15.

NIGHTTIME ON THE BEACH-SEARCHING FOR GHOST CRABS*
Thursdays, July 16, 23, 30

8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
August 13 and 20
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
What can run sideways, dig a hole without a shovel, and has ten legs? Join us for an evening stroll on the beach at the cove to look for these “ghosts” of the night and other nocturnal creatures. Bring a flashlight, and *meet at the beach access point at the end of Mount Vernon Ave., off of Broadway (toward the beach). There is free parking along the streets after 6:00 p.m. Call 609.898.8848 for directions and reservations.
Cost: members $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.

SUMMER MOON CAMPFIRES
Wednesdays,
July 1, July 22, and August 12

7:30 p.m.
The night is beautiful, and mysterious nocturnal creatures begin to make their appearance. Learn about the wild night life as we roast marshmallows over the campfire. Join us for a night of fire circle songs, stories, and some good old-fashioned campfire fun.
Cost: members $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.

SUMMER “FUN”RAISER
ECO-FESTIVAL: THE GREEN SCENE
Wednesday, August 5

5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
We’re going green, and it’s a lot of fun, as well as good for the planet! Our evening features hands-on activities and kids’ crafts that highlight all the different aspects of leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle. We’ll explore the exciting world of solar power, wind energy, aqua culture, and other “green living” concepts. Join us for an evening of green games, eco-demonstrations, crafts, music, and food. Fun for the whole family!
Cost: $10 per person (includes food and all activities).

CHILDREN’S SUMMER PROGRAMS

WONDER KIDS
For children age three through kindergarten. Separate classes for each grade level.
Monday and Wednesday
or Tuesday and Thursday,
June 29 through August 20
Two sessions per week.

10:00 a.m. to noon
Are you ready for the summer? We’ll explore and learn about nature through the eyes of some of our planet’s greatest creative minds. Topics will be influenced by authors and artists who have taken their inspiration from the natural world. Come play with outdoor games, stories, arts and crafts, experiments, critter encounters, and so much more. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: members, $30 per 2-day session, nonmembers, $40 per 2-day session.
Join us for these exciting topics:

June 29 to July 2: Row, Row, Row Your Boat gently on the sea….Can we make a paper boat float? Let’s explore gray-green harbor reflections and the critters of the deep.
July 6 to 9: Windy Day Party. Using their own energy, kids investigate the power of air as they fly kites, use wind wands, and blow bubbles, too.
July 13 to 16: Wanted! Dolphin Detectives. Dolphins...mighty mammals of the sea. Prepare for a dive expedition in a pollution-free ocean to help answer everyone’s questions about how dolphins live and feed.
July 20 to 23: Flower Fun. Investigate a flower, create a garden hat, and plant some sunflower seeds! Young gardeners will take home special bouquets and edible treats.
July 27 to 30: Gone Fishin’
“Water” we up to this week? Fishy friends and cool tide pools filled with amazing critters. Discover the creatures that live in our trash-free harbor.
August 3 to 6: Sun Shines Light.
Light sparkles and shines in the eyes of kids as they look through a prism viewer. Then, everyone looks like a rainbow to the young scientist – sunbeams lighting their way! Shadow tag provides some exercise fun.
August 10 to 13: Making Waves.
How do we know that the harbor is friendly? Because, it always waves. Learn to be beach-friendly too, by recycling some litter into a creative collage or a wind chime.
August 17 to 20: Old MacDonald.
He had a farm with animals, food, and haystacks, too. E-i-e-i-o, can you quack like a duck, moo like a cow, and waddle like goose?

NATURE RANGERS
For children entering grades one and two.
Mondays through Thursdays,
June 29 through August 20
Four-day sessions.
10:00 a.m. to noon.
Hey, Nature Rangers, let’s get going! We’re interested in the world around us, and we’re ready to explore. Each week we’ll investigate our environment through experiments, games, arts and crafts, and hands-on activities. Also, each week we’ll introduce a different scientist, inventor, or artist who has taken his or her inspiration from the natural world. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: members, $60 per week,  nonmembers, $80 per week.
Don’t miss these exciting topics:

June 29 to July 2: Ahoy, Mateys! Boats Aboard! Set your sails upon the harbor. What will you see, lovely seascapes, or floating debris? Venture into the world of salt water, build a boat that will sink or float.
July 6 to 9: Incredible Flight. Wind turbines, parachutes, and dragonflies. Oh my! Explore the world of aerodynamics and wind power. As apprentice engineers we will construct simple windmills and wind chimes, too.
July 13 to 16: Wanted! Dolphin Detectives. Do you know how our marine mammal cousins live? Prepare for an ocean dive expedition in a pollution-free ocean to help answer questions about how they live and feed.
July 20 to 23: Monet’s Gardens at the Nature Center. Take a visual voyage and get a bird’s-eye view of the gardens, bees, and butterflies. Grab your easel and create a lasting impression of what you see!
July 27 to 30: Hook, Line, and Sinker.
Why do fish hate tennis? Fear of the net, I bet! Grab a net and a pair of boots, we’re heading to the cool, clear waters of the harbor! Then, we’ll cook up a fisherman’s delight.
August 3 to 6: Got Solar? Lucky Renewable Energy. How do you harness the power of the sun? Check out the center’s solar panels. We’ll experiment with sunlight and make solar pizza cookers. S’mores, too? Yummy!
August 10 to 13: Bridges to the Natural World. A beautiful, healthy har-bor begins with us. And you can make a difference when you help to clean up the beaches. Be amazed with our scavenger hunt for reusable treasures.
August 17 to 20: Matter of Mud; Earthly Hues. Don’t bother taking a bath this week. Mud isn’t just dirt under your feet, it is farmers’ gold. Learn to grow and cook up some delicious food. Then try painting with mud.

NATURE WIZARDS
For children entering grades three through five.
Mondays through Thursdays,
June 29 through August 20
four-day sessions.
10:00 a.m. to noon.
Come one, come all, and join us for a summer of fun and discovery! Each week we’ll investigate our environment and examine science through experiments, games, and hands-on activities. We’ll learn “green living” concepts throughout the summer. Topics like solar power, wind energy, and harbor clean up and care will be explored. Also, each week we’ll introduce a different scientist, inventor, or artist who has taken his or her inspiration from the natural world. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: members $60 per week, nonmembers $80 per week.
Don’t miss these exciting topics:

June 29 to July 2: Aquanut. Become an underwater explorer. Create scientific tools from recycled beach debris and discover the life aquatic. Perhaps you’ll invent an aquatic gadget for our sea adventures.
July 6 to 9: Wonderful Wings. The first helicopter was created by Leonardo da Vinci in 1499. Yes, his inspirations came from bird watching and dragonflies. You’re part of an air show this week as you assemble whirlybirds and parachutes, too!
July 13 to 16: Ocean Energy. As artists paint the waves, surfers enjoy the curl. Scientists have learned to harness wave and tidal motion to power homes. What next? Find out how you can channel the course of water and create some energy, too.
July 20 to 23: Growing Gardens and Inspirations. “Leaf” it to us as we journey together and discover the many secrets of organic gardens, growing herbs, and growing “green.” Then, tap into your creative side and “draw” inspiration from some green artists.
July 27 to 30: Magnificent Mollusks.
Hey dude, we dig the mollusks that live in Cape May Harbor. These critters work day and night to clean up the water by filter feeding. We’ll check out oyster shell bags and look at shell fossils from ancient times. Then we’ll cook up a mollusky treat. Yum!
August 3 to 6: Stars and Solar Cars.
The sun is the star this week! Da Vinci invented a self propelled car from springs and wheels over 600 years ago. In 1982, the first solar car was built and driven at 30 mph. Check out your G.P.S. as we work on model solar cars!
August 10 to 13: Incredible Natural Structures. Master the art of sandy building projects – from castle to bridge. We’ll bring out the engineering genius in you! Watch out for high tide!
August 17 to 20: Let it Rot. Perhaps the center’s trash is not ready for the dump! Let’s see what broken gadgets and toys can become as the junk takes on a second life. Then we’ll get down and dirty in the soil.

HARBORSIDE EXPLORERS
For children entering grades four through nine.
Mondays through Thursdays,
June 29 through August 20
Eight-day sessions (four days per week).

9:30 a.m. to noon.
It’s time to get wet as we explore the wild side of Cape May. During every two-week interval, we’ll investigate the secrets of the sea as we set up the nature center’s aquaria and explore Cape May Harbor up and down, day and night, inside and out! Get ready to dive into adventure. Become a real scientist this summer; it’s “shore” to wash you away. Come on in, the water’s fine! Class size is limited and fills quickly. Preregistration is highly recommended. Daily walk-in registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Cost: members, $120 per two-week session; nonmembers, $160 per two-week session.
Join us for these exciting topics:

Scales, Shells, Fins, and Feathers
Week 1: June 29 to July 2
Week 2: July 6 to 9

Learn how to set up a salt water aquarium this week as we begin our study of marine biology. From the seaweeds attached to the rocks to the mammals that roam the shore, the focus will be on the variety of wildlife suited to living in coastal communities like our harbor.
Home Sweet Home: Wetlands, Beaches, and Mudflats
Week 3: July 13 to 16
Week 4: July 20 to 23

The habitats that make up the coastal ecosystem are considered nurseries to the sea. We’ll explore the ins and outs of marine ecology to find out what makes this one of the most productive places to find wildlife on our planet.
Nets, Buckets, Boots, and More
Week 5: July 27 to 30
Week 6: Aug 3 to 6

Scientists use many different kinds of devices to study the oceanography of sea and shore. During these two weeks we’ll be inventing some of our own instruments of discovery.
Marine Careers: More Than Just Science
Week 7: Aug 10 to 13
Week 8: Aug 17 to 20

Working in and around water can be exciting, whether you’re saving shipwrecked sailors, farming aquatic plants and animals, sketching sea scenes, or renting beach umbrellas. Dive in and find out what it’s like to live and work by the sea!

AQUA TRAIL KAYAK CAMP
July 6, 7, 8 , and August 3, 4, 5

8:30 a.m. to noon
Aqua Trails Kayaking Camp is kayaking fun for adventurers between the ages of 12 and 16. Young enthusiasts will be introduced to the sport of sea kayaking through hands-on activities and lessons. Experienced instructors from Aqua Trails Kayaking will cover topics including safety, basic paddling skills, the wet exit, and several self- and aided-rescues. Tours of the beautiful and historic harbor and wetlands are included. No kayaking experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. Students must be able to swim. Please pack lunch and bring plenty of water each day. Also students should bring sunscreen, water shoes, sunglasses (with retainer), a towel, a windbreaker, and a bathing suit, as everyone will get totally wet each day. The camp is held at the nature center and in adjacent Cape May Harbor. Classes are limited to eight students and fill up quickly, so please preregister.
Cost: $150 for the three-day session.

EARTH ARTS
Fridays, July 3 thru August 21

10:00 a.m. to noon
For children four to twelve years old. Separate classes for each age level.
Stories of Mother Earth and her fascinating creatures will inspire you to create wonderful works of art. We’ll use materials found in nature to create amazing works of art. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: members, $12 per day; nonmembers, $16 per day.

EXPLORE THE SHORE
Mondays, August 24 and 31

10:30 a.m.
For children ages six and up. How about some end-of-summer fun? One of our most popular programs is now just for kids! Join our marine biologists as they pull a thirty-foot seine net through the waters of Cape May Harbor. We’ll get up-close and personal with a large variety of fish, crabs, and other aquatic wildlife. Then we’ll head into the lab and learn more about this wild and watery world. Preregistration is strongly recommended. Limited to twenty children.
Cost: members $6, nonmembers $8.

FREE FAMILY PROGRAM
SCAVENGER HUNT FAMILY FUN
Saturdays and Sundays,
June 27 through August 30

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Want to try a challenge or two with every walk you take? Can you spy an aster or a milkweed bug? With every successful discovery, you will learn more about the fascinating plants and animals living here. We offer a variety of scavenger hunts for your sensory awareness. See how many of the treasures you can find!
Cost: Free!
     
Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 16, 17, and 18

Noon to 9:00 p.m.
Stop by the annual Cape May County
4-H Fair to see the many environmental education exhibits on display. Many exhibits are created by participants of the Nature Center of Cape May’s summer children’s classes. The fair includes rides, animal exhibits, and shows, great food, 4-H exhibits, special attractions, and fun for the whole family. Open other times for special events. For more information on the fair, call 609.465.5115.

Special Activities for Teens: Junior Internships
The 4-H Junior Intern Program provides opportunities for junior and senior high school students to work as assistants during the eight-week Children’s Summer Programs at the nature center. Junior interns receive specialized educational training and guidance from the teacher-naturalists who mentor them. Daily assignments are flexible and take place each day between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A mandatory intern training session is held every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The internship also includes a community service project, providing opportunities for participants to share what they have learned and to make a lasting contribution to the Nature Center of Cape May. Interested students should contact B.J. Webersinn, County 4-H Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 4 Moore Road, Cape May Court House, NJ, 08210, phone 609.465.5115 x605, fax 609.465.5953, or e-mail webersinn@aesop.rutgers.edu for more information and an application.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT THE NATURE CENTER OF CAPE MAY
Looking for something different for an upcoming birthday celebration? Celebrate your child’s next birthday party with us.

What about a nature theme? Possible party themes include Dinosaur Dynamo, Under the Sea Beach Party, Dolphins and Whales, Pirate’s Treasure Hunt, Flower Power, Backyard Wildlife Safari, Let’s Rock...or...You Name It! An outdoor experience (weather permitting) allows for even more hands-on fun!

Each program includes a one-hour nature program with an NJAS naturalist engaging the children with age-appropriate games and activities and one hour of free time and room use for your cake, ice cream, and gift-giving.
 
The fee of $75 for N.J. Audubon members and $100 for nonmembers covers up to ten children. Additional participants are $5 per child.
Additional time can be added to the two-hour program for $50 per half-hour. A $50 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your date. Parties must be booked two weeks in advance.

To book a Birthday Party
call 609.898.8848
Check out our Nature Store for a great selection of birthday presents and party favors!

Sanctuary Notes

       Consider helping the nature center by volunteering three hours a week. We can use your help, whether it’s one day a week or one day a month. The Nature Center of Cape May invites you to come meet new people, have a lot of fun, and help the organization grow. Come join our volunteer team!
       As a volunteer here at the Nature Center of Cape May, you will have the opportunity to share your skills in leading program participants to discover the wonders of the natural world, assisting visitors in the education center, maintaining and developing our facility, assisting with data entry, sales in the nature store, and with many more opportunities.
       As New Jersey Audubon Society and the Nature Center of Cape May continue to grow, we need the hard work and dedication that you as a volunteer provide!
       Call us now, or better yet, just stop in! See you soon.
       A big “Thank you” to all our volunteers!
 

Going Green

NCCM is now harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels on the roof of our welcome center. Stop by to see how easy it is to get free electricity from the sun and learn about other ways we are working to conserve energy.

 

 

Members receive discounts on program fees. If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.  

 

Copyright © 2008 New Jersey Audubon Society
All rights reserved.